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Establishing a gaming group can be tough. Choosing a game that's right for the group can be even harder. Sometimes, you're blessed and everyone can agree to give a particular game a whirl, and it's cool with everyone. Other times, you decide to give the game a rest and try something different. So, how to you decide what to play?

First, make certain that requests to choose a different game aren't a subtle clue the players would also like to switch game masters. If the players want a new GM, then by all means, let them have one.

Next, establish a simple economic guideline. The group will not play any game it doesn't already own, or can obtain for free or a very cheap price. Don't waste money on something that costs a lot to start-up.

Host an informal discussion of the familiar games and systems. Generally, it's no fun to play something no one has ever heard of, or understands anything about. Ask the players what they're interested in. Usually, they like to switch between one of the major systems to another, like "Dungeons and Dragons" to "Shadowrun."

If the group is ambivalent about what exactly to play, make suggestions around what seems to suit the players' personalities. Do your players demand the iron-clad rules? Do they need the feel of dice in their hands? How many different dice do they need? Are they hack n' slashers or real role-players?

Power gamers may be interested in the war games. Real role-players should be willing to try the more dramatic games, like the White Wolf system. Need the dice? You should stick with the tried and true "Dungeons and Dragons." The Palladium system is a personal favorite, offering just about every type of scenario for the same game system.

The game must go on.

Learn more about this author, John Oystein.
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